Eg vs. Ex — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
"Eg" is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," meaning "for example," used to introduce examples. "Ex" signifies former status or position, like an ex-president.
Difference Between Eg and Ex
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Key Differences
"Eg" is used in writing to introduce one or more examples related to the topic being discussed, usually to clarify or exemplify a point. On the other hand, "ex" is a prefix derived from Latin, used in English to denote a former state or previous title, indicating that someone has ceased to hold a certain status or position.
While "eg" is typically followed by a comma and appears within parentheses in formal writing (e.g., "various fruits (e.g., apples, oranges, grapes)"), "ex" is used as a prefix directly attached to a noun without a following comma (ex-president, ex-boyfriend).
"Eg" appears mostly in academic, technical, or formal texts to streamline and clarify lists or concepts that are too extensive to detail completely. Conversely, "ex" is common in both formal and informal contexts, describing past relationships, jobs, or roles that are no longer current.
In terms of usage, "eg" must always be in lowercase letters unless it starts a sentence, whereas "ex" can appear in lowercase or uppercase depending on the style and context of the rest of the text (Ex-President Obama vs. ex-president).
"Eg" helps in avoiding lengthy and unnecessary enumeration in explanatory texts, providing just enough examples to convey the intended message. Whereas, "ex" succinctly communicates the discontinuation of an association or role, often used in personal, professional, or political contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
For example
Former
Usage
Introduces examples
Indicates past status
Context
Academic, formal writing
General, includes personal
Format
Abbreviation, lowercase
Prefix, can be upper or lowercase
Example
In various fruits (e.g., apples, oranges)
Ex-president, ex-boyfriend
Compare with Definitions
Eg
Used to introduce examples.
Use condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, relish).
Ex
Indicates previous affiliation.
She returned her ex-library books.
Eg
Employed in clarifications.
Popular pets (e.g., dogs, cats) are easy to find.
Ex
Found in professional settings.
The ex-CEO declined to comment.
Eg
Appears in explanations.
Essential nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals) are vital.
Ex
Appears in personal contexts.
Jane often talks about her ex-boyfriend.
Eg
Utilized in lists.
Include various colors (e.g., red, blue, green).
Ex
Used before titles.
The meeting was attended by ex-President Smith.
Eg
Found in academic writing.
Cite several sources (e.g., books, articles).
Ex
Denotes former status.
He met his ex-wife today.
Eg
Alternative form of e.g.
Ex
(of goods) sold direct from
Carpet tiles offered at a special price, ex stock
Ex
Not including
The cost is £5,000 ex VAT
Ex
A former husband, wife, or other partner in a relationship
I don't want my ex to spoil what I have now
Ex
Not including; without
A stock price ex dividend.
Ex
Free of any transport or handling charges incurred before removal from a given location
Bought the goods ex warehouse.
Ex
From, but not having graduated with, the class of
A Columbia alumnus, ex '95.
Ex
The letter x.
Ex
A former spouse or partner.
Ex
To delete or cross out
He exed each item off the to-do list.
Ex
To delete; to cross out
Ex
(colloquial) A former partner or spouse, usually short for ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, ex-wife or ex-husband.
Her ex is still sending her flowers, even though she has moved on.
Ex
Ex-, former, previously but no longer.
Ex
The place the train originated from or called at prior to the present location.
Ex
Expensive, dear
It's too ex.
Ex
A man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
Ex
A woman who was formerly a particular man's wife;
All his exes live in Texas
Ex
Out of fashion;
A suit of rather antique appearance
Demode (or outmoded) attire
Outmoded ideas
Common Curiosities
Is it correct to use "ex" before any noun?
"Ex" is typically used before titles or roles to indicate someone no longer holds that position.
What does "eg" stand for?
"Eg" stands for "exempli gratia," a Latin phrase meaning "for example."
Can "eg" be used to introduce a single example?
Yes, "eg" can introduce one or more examples.
Is "ex" used only in negative contexts?
No, "ex" is neutral and simply denotes a past state or role.
Is "ex" always followed by a hyphen when attached to a noun?
No, "ex" is directly attached without a hyphen (ex-president).
What is a common mistake when using "eg"?
A common mistake is using "eg" without following it with a comma.
How is "eg" used differently from "ie"?
"Eg" introduces examples, whereas "ie" provides clarification or definition.
How should "eg" be formatted in text?
"Eg" should be in lowercase unless it starts a sentence and is generally followed by a comma.
Should "eg" be italicized in writing?
In formal writing, "eg" is often italicized because it is a Latin abbreviation.
Are there alternatives to using "eg" in writing?
Yes, phrases like "for example" or "such as" can be used instead of "eg."
Can "ex" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "ex" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
